FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012 – Messi wins again

Despite wearing a ridiculous suit, Lionel Messi was crowned the best footballer on the planet for a fourth consecutive year, after picking up yet another FIFA Ballon d’Or at the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala held in Zurich on Monday evening (local time).

The Argentina international received 41.60% of the vote, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (23.68%) and Barcelona teammate Andres Iniesta (10.91%).

Off the back of another successful Euro campaign, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque took home the FIFA Coach of the Year for Men’s Football.

In the other awards, USA’s Abby Wambach claimed her first FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award after guiding her nation to the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic games.

Her national team coach, Pia Sundhage, won the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Women’s Football. She has since moved to coach the Swedish national side, with former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni taking over the US side.

The 2012 FIFA/FIFPro WORLD XI was also announced, with a strong Spanish influence. In fact, every player selected plies their trade in La Liga. It was selected in a 4-3-3 formation.